The After-Camp Glow: How Our Summer Camps Help Kids Unplug, Connect, and Come Alive
There’s something different about kids after a day at camp. You might notice it in the way they kick off their boots at the door with a dusty grin, or how they actually start talking about their day—with sparkly eyes and real stories, not just "fine" or "I don’t remember." That’s the after-camp glow.
At Strides Riding Academy in Petaluma, our Horseback Riding Camp and Ranch Camp do more than fill summer days. They help kids disconnect from screens and reconnect with something real—animals, nature, and their own sense of confidence.
Whether your child is saddle-ready or more into chicken chats and goat cuddles, here’s how our camps work their subtle, soul-deep magic.
Nature > Notifications: Why Kids Need a Break from Screens
Let’s be real—most kids are more connected to WiFi than to the wind. Between tablets, gaming consoles, and bingeable everything, it’s hard to find quiet space to grow confidence or curiosity.
That’s why our camps are proudly screen-free. From 8 AM to 2 PM, kids are fully immersed in the real world—not the digital one. Instead of scrolling, they’re saddling horses. Instead of YouTube shorts, they’re brushing a gentle goat. Instead of notifications, they hear hooves, laughter, and birdsong.
And the best part? They don’t miss their devices. Not even a little.
The Ranch Effect: Confidence, Calm, and Real Responsibility
You don’t need reins to grow resilience. At Ranch Camp, kids care for animals, help with ranch routines, and learn the rhythm of life outdoors. They spend their days moving, creating, and contributing.
Whether it’s caring for horses, goats, or chickens, these small responsibilities add up to something big. Campers learn to observe, to nurture, and to be trusted. They develop quiet confidence—not the loud kind that comes from winning, but the deep kind that comes from doing something meaningful.
It’s hands-on learning with heart—and the best part is, they love every minute of it.
Hooves, Heartbeats & Healing: The Power of Horse Connection
In our Horseback Riding Camp, the real transformation often happens between the saddle and the soul.
There’s something powerful about a child learning to communicate with a 1,000-pound animal—not with words, but with body language, breath, and trust. We pair campers with horses based on temperament and experience, helping them form a relationship, not just complete a ride.
They groom. They lead. They ride. And somewhere in that process, they change.
Even kids who arrive nervous leave with something that lingers long after camp ends: a quiet kind of courage.
After 2PM: What Parents Notice About the “Camp Glow”
You’ll see it in how they talk more at dinner. How they sleep better at night. How they start asking questions about animals, about leadership, about nature.
You might even catch them humming in the backseat, or telling a sibling about how a horse "chose" them. They’ll be a little sun-kissed, a little happier, and a whole lot more alive.
This isn’t just summer childcare—it’s the start of a new chapter.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
What age is best for horseback riding summer camp?
Ages 6–12. We tailor each group by age and skill to ensure every camper feels supported and challenged.
My child isn’t confident around animals. Will they still benefit?
Absolutely. Many campers arrive unsure and leave with newfound comfort and confidence around animals.
What’s the difference between horseback camp and ranch camp?
Horseback Camp includes daily riding and horsemanship. Ranch Camp focuses on animal care and ranch life—great for animal lovers who prefer feet on the ground.
Is this a good camp for kids who spend a lot of time online?
Yes! Camp offers the perfect reset—away from screens, surrounded by nature and animals, and grounded in the moment.
Where is your summer camp located?
We’re located in beautiful Petaluma, CA—just a short drive from town, but a world away from the usual summer routine.
🐾 Ready to Watch Your Kid Come Alive?
If you’re looking for a confidence-building summer camp in Petaluma, with real animals, real friendships, and real transformation—Strides Riding Academy is the place.
📅 Spots fill up fast—don’t miss your chance to see the glow for yourself.